Nothing can beat the thrill of coming across a roaring waterfall in the midst of a dense forest. The sight of the water gushing with a ferocity and landing with a tremendous boom is simply captivating. India is blessed with many waterfalls, with each one being as fascinating as the other. While high-altitude waterfalls are usually associated with South India, the rest of the country too boasts a great many waterfalls. This blog brings you to those places where you can explore the scenic waterfalls of India at their best.
Dudhsagar Waterfall, Goa
Falling from an unbelievable height of 1017ft, the Dudhsagar Waterfall presents a picture of awe and respect. It owes its name “Dudhsagar” (sea of milk) to the white spray and foam that is created when its waters land tremendously with a roar. This cascading waterfall is one of the most powerful waterfalls in India, and splits into three streams as it pours over the almost vertical cliff face. So, if you are planning your holidays to Goa, don’t forget to add this in your bucket list.
Jog Falls, Karnataka
The sight of Jog Falls, located on the border of Shimoga and Uttar Kannada, literally stops you in your tracks. The echoes of its ferocious headlong tumble reverberate throughout the surroundings. The Sharavati River, descending from an incredible height of 830ft, forms four different waterfalls known locally as Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. The beauty of these waterfalls are at their best during the monsoons, when arching rainbows color the mist. It’s also one of the highest waterfalls in India.
Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
If you love photography, then head to Nohkalikai Falls at Cherrapunji. Here, a brilliantly white streak of water cascades down from the top of the gorge to the mystical deep green below, from a height of 1099ft. The ensuing roar is audile from the viewing gallery located at a distance. Legend has it that a grief stricken mother, unable to overcome the sorrow of her daughter’s murder by her husband, plunged to her death here.
Nuranang Falls, Arunachal Pradesh
It’s said that to witness the best that Nature has to offer, one should head to Tawang. Nuranang Waterfalls brings home this point rather strongly. Also known as Jang Falls, they fall from a height of 328ft, and are considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India. The waterfall traces its origin to the Nuarang River which originates from the nearby area of Sela Pass. This place gained prominence after the movie “Koyla” was shot here.
Barehipani Falls, Odisha
Barehipani Waterfalls is the second highest waterfall in India, and is a natural marvel to behold. Located at Simlipal National Park at Mayurbhanj district, its waters rush down from a height of 1,310ft in two separate tiers.
Abbey Falls, Karnataka
Abbey Falls, tucked away between the spice and coffee estates, enjoy a tremendous popularity with picnic goers. The sight presented by these waterfalls, as they gradually cascade their way into the transparent pools to join the Cauvery River, is simply captivating. To witness them in all their glory, its best to visit them during the monsoons.
Umbrella Falls, Maharashtra
Umbrella Falls, being seasonal in nature, really come alive during the monsoons. Situated at the Bhandardara Dam in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, it’s formed by the overflowing of the Wilson dam during monsoons. A bridge right below the waterfalls offers tourist panoramic views of its waters. The beauty of these waterfalls can be witnessed only during the monsoons, when the dam reaches full capacity.
Courtallam Waterfall, Tamil Nadu
Courtallam is also called the “Spa of South India,” due to the numerous waterfalls, countless health resorts and cascades that lie scattered around it. Out of many waterfalls, one is the Peraruvi (Main Falls), which falls from a height of 60ft. The other waterfall is the Chitraruvi (Small Falls), which possesses a thin flow of water. Some of the other major waterfalls are Shenbaga Devi Falls, Thenaruvi (Honey Falls), Aintharuvi (Five Falls), Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls), and Pazhaya Courtallam (Old Falls). As you plan your tour to India, do not miss out on visiting this waterfall.
Nohsngithiang Falls, Meghalaya
Nohsngithiang Falls, also called the Seven Sister Falls, is the fourth highest, and one of the most popular waterfalls in India. This waterfall derives its name from the seven streams that flow down the plateau-like feature. The best time to watch this waterfall is during the monsoon when the streams are overrun with water and rush down rapidly to form a perennial rainbow, much to the delight of tourists.
Dhuandhar Waterfall, Madhya Pradesh
The amazing Dhaundhar Waterfalls, also known as “smoke cascade,” is located at Bhedaghat, 30 km away from Jabalpur. Its name “Dhuan,” meaning smoke, can be attributed to the visuals of smoke emanating from the river bed that is created by the water falling on hard rocks. Even though this waterfall is just 98ft high, it’s still a major tourist attraction.
About the Author
Rekha Bisht is a travel enthusiast who work with a reputed and National Tourism Award winning tour operator, Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. She loves to visit the most popular as well as offbeat places of the world, and share her travel experiences with fellow travelers. If you want to plan your holidays to India or opt for international tours, follow her write-ups.